Rocky Wins Close Match, May Get Car Police Dog Wins Right To Stay On U. Mount Bethel Force

January 02, 1986|by NANCY J. FREEMAN, The Morning Call

Rocky staged a 15th-round victory Monday night, rallying after being down for a count of nine earlier in the fight. It was an important bout, as Rocky faced forced early retirement in the event of a loss.

Although the scenario seemed a replay of the "Rocky" movies II, III and IV, this fight featured not Sylvester Stallone as the Italian Stallion, but Officer Roxanne as the Capering Canine of the Upper Mount Bethel Township police department.

The specially trained German shepherd, a drug detection dog, was purchased for the township by the Portland Lions Club, which raised $8,000 in community contributions for the project about two years ago. Since the dog cost $6,000, the township still has $2,000 remaining in a special fund for Rocky. That money was designated for Rocky's care.

The dog was assigned to Officer Marlon Nasatka, who as handler and trainer has cared for Rocky and paid for the dog's food and veterinary expenses out of his own pocket. In addition to working special drug-related assignments, Rocky initially accompanied Nasatka on his routine patrols on night shift.

However, township supervisors ordered the dog to stay home after other officers complained about using the patrol car after Rocky rode in it.

On Monday, outgoing Vice Chairman Ed Nelson surprised some at the supervisors' meeting by making a motion to transfer ownership of the dog to Nasatka, essentially ending its career with the police department.

Police Chief Jack Nolf admitted, "The dog worked out beautifully." However, he said that without the ability to put the dog on regular patrols with Nasatka, its value to the department has been diminished.

Nasatka said the dog has been used only once in 1985, because he's not been able to take it with him.

Former Supervisor Jeff Manzi, who was active in the Lions' fund-raising efforts, told Nelson, "I think it's a big mistake to let that dog out of the police department. I'll buy a car for that dog."

Nelson responded, "The dog's not getting a car. The saga of Rocky is coming to an end."

Supervisor-elect Ronald Angle pointed out that, because of liability, the township could not ask Nasatka to lend the dog to the township when needed for a special assignment. "Once you've got rid of the dog, you've got rid of it," Angle said.

Angle, who as former Bangor Area School Board president saw the dog in action in the schools, asserted, "The dog works." Like Manzi, he asked the supervisors to consider purchasing a special vehicle to transport Rocky.

Nelson said, "I guess what I'm saying is there are other priorities than the dog."

Angle countered, "Now we're telling all those people who gave money that because of a piece of equipment, we're chucking the dog."

After hearing from the audience, Supervisor Ernest Gerhart said, "Let the police department keep the dog."

"I guess I have no choice," Nelson said, "I withdraw my motion."

After the meeting, Manzi said he would encourage other contributions toward purchase of a vehicle for canine patrol. "I'll do what I can," he said, "Come hell or high water, I'll get a car for the dog."

Nasatka said he was willing to keep paying for Rocky's upkeep to keep the dog on the job with the police force.

Angle said he does not envision allocating township funds for buying the car but supports the idea of a community fund-raising project.